Viral photo of clogged purifier filter exposes Gurugram’s terrifying air pollution

An air purifier filter heavily coated in a thick layer of dust and dirt. (Image credit: X/@Lostinreverie7)

A photo of a completely clogged air purifier filter shared by a Gurgaon resident on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral, serving as a stark visual representation of the severe air pollution in the region.

“This is my air purifier filter in Gurgaon. The land of ₹200 crore apartments, glossy towers & lungs working overtime like interns at Big 4,” sharing two photos of an air purifier filter, the X user wrote in the caption.

“Welcome to the city where we pay premium for polluted air. Efficiency, but make it toxic,” the user added.

This is my air purifier filter in Gurgaon.
The land of ₹200 crore apartments, glossy towers & lungs working overtime like interns at Big 4.
Welcome to the city where we pay premium for polluted air.
Efficiency, but make it toxic. 😷#Gurgaon #AirPollution #IndiaAirCrisis pic.twitter.com/pYhApZa5yv

— Isha (@Lostinreverie7) November 3, 2025

The pictures show a filter heavily coated in a thick layer of dust and dirt, a grim indicator of the toxic air that residents are forced to breathe daily in the Delhi-NCR area. The user's post highlighted how quickly the air quality inside a home can deteriorate, even with air purification systems running.

In response to a comment on the post, the user also claimed that she cleared a small section of the filter to illustrate the amount of dust that has accumulated in the other parts.

The viral photo has reignited public concern and drawn sharp criticism from netizens towards authorities for their perceived lack of effective measures to combat the persistent air quality crisis.

An individual commented, “These high-end buildings often seal us inside with filtered air, ignoring the outside problem. This creates a bubble, causing us to forget our shared responsibility for the environment. True luxury should include clean, breathable air for everyone.” Another said, “It's like breathing through a chimney.”

Other users responded with practical tips, advising frequent cleaning and upkeep of air purifiers, while others compared cities — pointing out that “Pune and Bengaluru still offer a better balance between livability and air quality.”

Various regions across Delhi and the NCR have been shrouded in thick smog. The air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 309 at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).